Istanbul is a very ancient city originally founded by King Byzas Historypicfrom Megara in 667 BCE. Byzantium formed the heart of the Byzantine Empire for more than 6 centuries at which point the Emperor Constantine decided to relocate the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium and renamed the city Constantinople. The Roman Empire fell and many wars and invasions had Constantinople in a state of some flux. It maintained its position as a capital city throughout the time of the Ottoman Empire until the Turkish National War for Independence. The founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, elected to call the city Istanbul. He then established Ankara as the new capital city disliking the entrenched decadence and corruption of the former Ottoman Empire of which Istanbul was rife. The city was greatly restructured during the middle part of the 20th century and the population started to grow rapidly in the 1970’s. Istanbul currently has a population of nearly 13 million. An ancient and diverse city, it is also the 5th largest city proper in the world. Its many historical sites are well preserved making it a fascinating city to visit and allowing Istanbul to be selected as a European Capital of Culture in 2010.

SULTANAHMET

Featuring cobblestone streets and ancient monuments, the old section of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, is a favorite for both tourists and locals alike. The area is home to many historic sites and is also filled with cafés, restaurants and stores selling authentic local crafts. Tours are freely available and our concierge will be happy to help you to arrange one tailor made to suit your interests and schedule.

THE BLUE MOSQUE

The Blue Mosque was built between 1609-1616. It features some interesting architectural characteristics, for example, the tiles on the back balcony are recycled from the harem of Topkapi Palace from the great fire of 1574 when large sections of the palace were damaged. It is said to be the most famous monument in the islamic world.

TOPKAPI PALACE

Topkapi Palace was built in 1465 during the height of the Ottoman Empire and served as the center of the Empire's administration for nearly four centuries. It was turned into a museum by Atatürk in 1924. It is one of the most visited museum in Europe and the most visited museum in Turkey.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sophia) was originally built as a Church in 360 by the greeks who had settled the area 9 centuries before. In 404 there was a shift in power and in the resulting riots the Church was burned to the ground. In 415 a second Church was opened, but was burned in a great fire in 532. Hagia Sophia was rebuilt and though the dome and some of the other potions of the building have had to be rebuilt a few times, this is the current structure which after several riots, earthquakes, fires and invasions, has arisen like a Phoenix reborn with the design each time becoming more spectacular and intricate. With its rich Christian and Muslim heritage, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935. It has been one of the most renovated holy structures in the world with the result that snapshots of history can be found all through the site.

THE BASILICA CISTERN

The Basilica was originally constructed in the 3-4th centuries as a legal and artistic center. It was reconstructed after a fire in 476 and again after riots in 532. It is said that 7000 slaves were conscripted to convert the Basilica into a cistern. It has a 100,000 ton capacity and was used to supply water right through the Ottoman Empire.

HAGIA SOPHIA

Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sophia) was originally built as a Church in 360 by the greeks who had settled the area 9 centuries before. In 404 there was a shift in power and in the resulting riots the Church was burned to the ground. In 415 a second Church was opened, but was burned in a great fire in 532. Hagia Sophia was rebuilt and though the dome and some of the other potions of the building have had to be rebuilt a few times, this is the current structure which after several riots, earthquakes, fires and invasions, has arisen like a Phoenix reborn with the design each time becoming more spectacular and intricate. With its rich Christian and Muslim heritage, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum in 1935. It has been one of the most renovated holy structures in the world with the result that snapshots of history can be found all through the site.

THE BASILICA CISTERN

The Basilica was originally constructed in the 3-4th centuries as a legal and artistic center. It was reconstructed after a fire in 476 and again after riots in 532. It is said that 7000 slaves were conscripted to convert the Basilica into a cistern. It has a 100,000 ton capacity and was used to supply water right through the Ottoman Empire.

THE GRAND BAZAAR

The Grand Bazaar was originally constructed in the mid 1400's and is the largest covered bazaar in the world. There are thousands of vendors from which you can buy leather goods, authentic local crafts, jewelry, enameled plates, carpets and much more. Many vendors speak more than one language and are willing to be helpful if you are looking for something in particular and would like help getting to the right sellers.